Written Answers Nos. 710-729
710. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of a case (details supplied); and if he will work to ensure that the workers in question are able to get the pension increases they have earned. [11699/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra711. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the pension increase for retired employees of An Post; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra712. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeframe for when he was sent recommendations in relation to the proposed pension increase for retired employees of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra713. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has or if he will engage with retired employees of An Post regarding the pension increase that was recommended for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 710, 711, 712 and 713 together.
Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.
It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
714. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the agreed increase to Eir pensions will be approved; when it will be paid to members of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos 714,722,725,726,739,751,753,754, and 755 together.
Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who recently submitted their report for consideration. Both my approval and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are required to give effect to this pension increase. I can confirm my approval was given and the proposal has been forwarded to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for consideration.
The process to consider pension increase requests in respect of the Eir superannuation scheme and in respect of pension schemes of commercial state bodies is a rigorous, multi-stage process requiring formal NewERA advice and consideration the relevant Ministers. Accordingly, it is not possible to set out a definite timeframe as to when a final decision will be made on the Eir pension increase request.
715. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has received any applications or requests to any section of his Department or State body under his aegis, for funding or financial collaboration from private investors with regard to an ice hockey arena in Cherrywood, County Dublin; if so to provide full details including amount of public funds being sought, whether the Government or State bodies are considering or have agreed to any request and whether there has been any public/stakeholder consultation on any such proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA business case has been submitted to my Department regarding the proposed development of an ice hockey and winter sports arena in Cherrywood, Dublin. While the development promoters are seeking a significant State investment in the project I do not propose to go into any specifics until such time as my Department has concluded its review. I am not aware if the promoters are engaging with any other particular body in relation to funding.
I do not anticipate that my Department would be in a position to provide the level of funding sought by the project promoters and I would expect that they would need to engage with other funders and partners to realise the project.
716. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent by his Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra717. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent on funding NGOs by his Department, in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra718. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding the assessments that are carried out to determine the level of Exchequer funding that any NGO receives from his Department on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra719. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding any direct lobbying he has received from any NGO in relation to his annual funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 716, 717, 718 and 719 together.
My Department, and the bodies under its aegis, fund a wide range of non-profit organisations in the sporting and cultural area.
In the absence of an agreed definition of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) it is not possible to say if any of these non-profit groups consider themselves to be NGOs. It is not a category of funding recipient that is distinguished within the programmes which my Department operates.
720. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the status of any application to have stone lifting recognised on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage; the criteria used in assessing such applications; and whether he would consider its inclusion given its rise in popularity, ongoing revival, and its importance as part of our cultural heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11878/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015 Ireland ratified the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Under the Convention, Ireland is required to develop and maintain a national inventory of ICH present in its territory. This inventory aims to safeguard and ensure the visibility of Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage locally, nationally, and internationally.
Ireland has an Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) to guide advice and to assess applications seeking inscription on the National Inventory. The EAC is chaired by my Department and is comprised of representatives from relevant authorities such as Ireland’s Arts Council, Heritage Council and local government heritage offices, as well as academics, practitioners and representatives from expert bodies. In line with the Terms of Reference for the group, and the UNESCO Convention, the EAC considers the following questions when assessing applications:
• Does the nominated element qualify as Intangible Cultural Heritage as defined in the 2003 UNESCO Convention
• Is there adequate community support & engagement for the element
• Is the nominated element passed from generation to generation
Following its assessment, the EAC can make recommendations to me, as Minister for Culture, for decision on any inscription of new elements on the National Inventory of ICH.
My Department received an application seeking the inscription of Traditional Irish Stone Lifting (Cloch Nirt) on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. An initial application was submitted in August 2025, with an updated version provided in October 2025. This application was discussed by the EAC at their most recent meeting on 3rd December 2025. As well as the application, the EAC considered submissions received by both the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) and the National Monuments Service (NMS) detailing their concerns with the practice of stone lifting, including what is considered to be strong potential of damage to archaeological heritage sites, potential for offences under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 and the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, as well as lack of compliance by practitioners with the National Monuments Acts and examples of damage caused to-date.
Given the serious concerns raised by the NMI and NMS regarding the potential damage to cultural and archaeological heritage that could be caused by the wider promotion of the practice, the EAC agreed that it could not at this point make a recommendation on this application, with the result that no recommendation has been provided for Ministerial consideration.
Given that there is currently ongoing engagement between the applicant, the NMI and the NMS, the EAC recommended that DCCS continue to engage with all parties, and that the EAC may revert to review this application again at future meetings.
Ireland's national inventory of ICH currently recognises 42 inscribed ICH practices. For full information on the inventory and guidance for applicants please see: [www.nationalinventoryich.ccs.gov.ie/] .
721. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will address the concerns regarding pension entitlements raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11882/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1 June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups.
In line with the Code of Practice, NewERA has provided advice to me on the request. On foot of that advice, I have given my consent to An Post's request. As required under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has now been sought.
Further to section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, and section 10 of the eircom superannuation scheme rules, my Department last year received a request for a pension increase of 2.1% for Eir pensioners, in respect of both pre and post vesting day service, with effect from 01 July 2025.
My officials sought the advice of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) on this pension increase proposal, who have now submitted their report. My officials will shortly make a submission to me on the matter and I will carefully consider the NewERA recommendations before making any determination on whether to approve the request. The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation will also be required for the pension increase in the event that I give my approval.
It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, that the Code of Practice is complied with and the relevant legislation is adhered to.
723. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the systems in place to agree performance metrics of chief executives of agencies within the aegis of his Department; the way in which these are measured; the person or body that carries out the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11954/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 1.7 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies provides that the appointment, remuneration and assessment of the performance of, and succession planning for, the CEO is a matter for the decision of the Board.
The Department sets out its performance expectations for each of its aegis bodies through Oversight Agreements, Performance Delivery Agreements and Shareholder Letters of Expectation, as appropriate. These outline key priorities and deliverables with progress monitored through sustained engagement between the Department and the State body and regular reporting.
The measurement and assessment of CEO/Director performance against agreed deliverables is in the first instance a matter for the Board of the aegis body.
724. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the indicative opening date for applications under the 2026 round of the Community Sports Facilities Fund, formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme; whether applications will be submitted through the OSCAR online portal; the maximum grant amounts that will apply for local projects, regional projects, and equipment-only applications under the 2026 scheme; when the full scheme guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be published shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a 2026 round of the CSFF in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
The Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations which is valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. New guidelines will be published in advance of the next round opening. These will give information on the maximum grant thresholds for local projects, regional projects and equipment-only applications. My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide and carrying out a wide-reaching communications campaign.
In 2022, my Department identified the need to replace the existing Sports Capital Programme grant management systems ('OSCAR'). The Department approved Pobal, a state-sponsored agency, as the preferred provider to design and develop the new system. A departmental project team has been working with a Pobal project team to design the new system. It is anticipated that the new grant management system will facilitate the next CSFF round later this year.
727. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his views on whether a measure in the UK is feasible in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 727, 728,729 and 745 together.
Regarding the measure taken in the UK in relation to pornography websites, I would note that last May, the European Commission opened an investigation under the Digital Services Act into a number of pornography websites (Pornhub, XVideos, Stripchat and XNXX) with a focus on the risks for the protection of minors arising from the absence of effective age verification measures. Under the Digital Services Act, the European Commission is the lead regulator in respect of those very large adult platforms. They are also subject to regulation by the relevant regulators in the EU Member State in which they are established; none of them are established in Ireland.
Regarding restricting access to social media for young people under a certain age - "the digital age of majority" - Ireland is committed to working actively with like-minded EU Member States to explore options to introduce age restrictions on the use of social media concentrating, in particular on those under 16. Having met my French counterparts recently, I have asked officials in my Department to engage with their French counterparts to learn more about their proposal. At the same time, Ireland will strongly advocate for a decision on the digital age of majority to be taken at EU level and that any decision take account of the forthcoming report of the European Commission’s expert panel on the matter.
Regarding age verification, as I have set out previously, Department is working with the Government’s Chief Information Officer and his office on an age verification tool as part of the Government's digital wallet being developed using MyGovID.
The aim of developing this tool is to support the application of Ireland’s online safety code, which applies to the video-sharing platform services (VSPS) that have been designated by Coimisiún na Meán. Under Part B of the code, these VSPS are obliged to implement robust age assurance measures to ensure children do not normally see adult-only content, like pornography. It is An Coimisiún that determines when it is appropriate for a platform to use age verification.
A pilot is envisaged, led by the Office of the Chief Government Information Officer. It will be run on a voluntary basis over a period of some months. The specifics of the pilot are yet to be finalised, but platforms have been invited to participate. The legislative requirements are also being examined and it is intended that the experience and results emerging from the pilot will inform the final shape of the initiative.
